12 Weird Types of Dogs: Unusual Breeds That Defy Expectations
Explore 12 weird types of dogs with unusual traits, from hairless breeds to rare working dogs. Includes comparisons, care tips, and a decision guide.
What Makes a Dog Breed "Weird"?
When people search for weird types of dogs, they're usually looking for breeds that break the mold — physically unusual, historically bizarre, or behaviorally distinct from mainstream companions like Labs and Goldens. But "weird" is subjective, so before we dive into the list, here's exactly how we selected these breeds.
Selection Criteria for This List
A breed qualifies if it meets at least two of the following:
- Rare physical trait: Unusual coat type, body proportions, ear structure, or coloration not found in mainstream breeds
- Obscure origin story: Bred for a highly specific or now-obsolete purpose that shaped unusual characteristics
- Behavioral distinctiveness: Communication style, temperament, or instinct that deviates significantly from typical dog behavior
- Extreme rarity: Fewer than 5,000 registered dogs globally (making encounters with them genuinely unusual)
We excluded designer breeds (doodles, etc.) because their "weirdness" is manufactured rather than evolved, and we excluded breeds that are simply uncommon in the US but well-known globally (like the Akita Inu).
The 12 Weirdest Dog Breeds, Ranked by Uniqueness
We've organized these from most to least unusual based on how many selection criteria each breed hits and how far they deviate from typical dog norms. Each entry includes practical ownership context because admiring a weird dog is very different from living with one.
1. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Size Class: Toy (10-15 lb / 4.5-7 kg), Miniature (15-30 lb / 7-14 kg), Standard (30-55 lb / 14-25 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Naturally hairless (except for a tuft on the head) with warm, smooth skin that feels like a heated chamois — plus a coated variety exists in the same litter
Profile: One of the oldest breeds on Earth, dating back over 3,000 years in Mesoamerican cultures. The Aztecs believed Xolos guided souls through the underworld. They come in three distinct sizes from the same genetic line, and both hairless and coated puppies can appear in a single litter. Their skin requires sunscreen in summer and moisturizing year-round.
Why It Made the List: Hits all four criteria — rare physical trait (hairlessness is extremely uncommon in canines), deep historical origin, behavioral distinctiveness (notoriously aloof with strangers, almost cat-like), and moderate rarity outside Mexico.
2. Bedlington Terrier
Size Class: Small (17-23 lb / 8-10 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Lambskin-like curly coat, arched back (roach back), and a pear-shaped head that makes them look like they belong to a different species entirely
Profile: Originating in Northumberland, England in the late 1700s, Bedlingtons were bred to hunt vermin and otters. Their unique topknot and arched loin are functional — the arch provides explosive speed for chasing prey through tight burrows. Despite their delicate appearance, they're tough, wiry little hunters with a surprisingly loud bark. According to the AKC breed standard, they should have a mild, gentle expression but a courageous, game temperament.
Why It Made the List: Physical uniqueness (no other breed has this silhouette), obscure origin (otter hunting in northern England), and extreme rarity (approximately 400 puppies registered annually worldwide).
3. Bergamasco Shepherd
Size Class: Large (57-84 lb / 26-38 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Coat forms flat, felted "flocks" (not cords like a Komondor) that grow up to 12 inches long and look like matted dreadlocks — but this is the breed's natural, healthy coat
Profile: An ancient Alpine herding breed from the Italian Alps, the Bergamasco's coat is a three-layer system: a short, dense undercoat, a goat-like middle layer, and a woolly outer layer. These layers naturally weave together into flat flocks that protect against freezing temperatures and wolf bites. The flocks should never be brushed out or separated — they're left to form naturally after the dog reaches about one year of age. The coat takes 5-6 years to fully develop.
Why It Made the List: Extreme physical trait (the flock coat is unique among all dog breeds), specialized origin (Alpine wolf-deterrent herding), and rarity (fewer than 300 registered in the US).
4. Norwegian Lundehund
Size Class: Small (20-30 lb / 9-14 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Six fully functional toes on each foot, ears that can fold shut (forward or backward), and a neck flexible enough to bend the head completely backward to touch the spine
Profile: Bred on remote Norwegian islands to hunt puffins nesting in cliff crevices, the Lundehund's anatomy is essentially a toolkit for squeezing into narrow rock gaps. The extra toes provide grip on wet cliff faces, the foldable ears seal out water and debris, and the extreme joint flexibility allows them to navigate impossibly tight spaces. The breed nearly went extinct twice — in the 1960s, only 6 individuals remained. Today's global population descends from those 6 dogs, making genetic diversity a serious concern. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes the breed's high predisposition to gastrointestinal lymphangiectasia, affecting up to 75% of individuals.
Why It Made the List: Extreme physical traits (no other dog has six toes AND foldable ears AND extreme spinal flexibility), ultra-specific origin (puffin hunting), and critical rarity (estimated 1,500 worldwide).
5. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Size Class: Large (50-95 lb / 23-43 kg)
Key Weird Trait: "Glass eyes" (pale blue or cracked multicolored irises), extreme coat pattern variation (no two look alike), and a unique herding style that uses intimidation rather than nipping
Profile: Louisiana's state dog, the Catahoula descends from Native American dogs crossed with European mastiffs and greyhounds brought by Spanish and French colonists. Their name comes from Catahoula Parish. They're famous for their "cracking" herding technique — forming a living fence around livestock by staring and posturing rather than physically driving animals. Many have heterochromia (two different colored eyes) or "cracked" eyes with multiple colors in a single iris. They're intensely territorial and require firm, experienced handling with positive reinforcement methods.
Why It Made the List: Rare physical traits (glass eyes + extreme pattern variation), unique origin (Native American/colonial cross), and behavioral distinctiveness (intimidation-based herding).
6. Azawakh
Size Class: Large (33-55 lb / 15-25 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Extremely elongated limbs with visible bone structure, standing up to 29 inches (74 cm) at the shoulder while weighing as little as 33 lb — creating an almost skeletal silhouette
Profile: A West African sighthound from the Sahel region (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso), the Azawakh was bred by Tuareg nomads for both hunting and camp guarding. Their extreme leanness isn't unhealthy — it's adaptation to desert heat and scarce food. They have an unusually low body fat percentage and a metabolism adapted to sparse nutrition. Temperamentally, they're fiercely loyal to their family but deeply suspicious of strangers, often refusing to be touched by unfamiliar people. They bond intensely with one person.
Why It Made the List: Extreme physical proportions (most visually striking sighthound), specialized origin (Saharan nomadic guardian), and rarity (approximately 2,000 in the US).
7. Thai Ridgeback
Size Class: Medium-Large (35-75 lb / 16-34 kg)
Key Weird Trait: A ridge of hair along the spine growing in the opposite direction, forming distinct patterns (arrow, saddle, bowling pin, leaf — 8 recognized ridge patterns)
Profile: A pariah-type dog from eastern Thailand, the Thai Ridgeback has been isolated for centuries, developing with minimal human selective breeding. The ridge is caused by a dominant gene mutation similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback, but these breeds are not related — it's convergent evolution. Thai Ridgebacks are primitive dogs with strong prey drive, high independence, and a tendency to be vocal. They're athletic jumpers (easily clearing 6-foot fences) and require secure containment. Only three breeds worldwide have this ridge trait.
Why It Made the List: Rare physical trait (convergent-evolution ridge), primitive origin (minimal human selection), and rarity outside Southeast Asia.
8. Mudi
Size Class: Medium (18-29 lb / 8-13 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Wavy-to-curly coat (unique among herding breeds), merle coloration (rare in working herders), and an unusually high-pitched, piercing bark used to control stubborn livestock
Profile: A Hungarian herding breed that was only formally separated from the Puli and Pumi in the 1930s. Mudis are versatile farm dogs that herd, guard, and hunt vermin. Their merle gene is naturally occurring (not introduced through crossbreeding like some merle breeds), and they come in an unusual range of colors for a working herder: black, white, yellow, brown, ash, and merle variations. They're known for their "velcro" attachment to owners and surprising agility — many compete at elite levels in dog sports despite their rarity. The AKC recognized the Mudi in the Miscellaneous Class, and full recognition is anticipated.
Why It Made the List: Physical uniqueness (curly herder + natural merle), behavioral distinctiveness (vocal herding style), and extreme rarity (fewer than 500 in the US).
9. Chinese Crested
Size Class: Small (8-12 lb / 3.5-5.5 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Hairless body with dramatic plumes on head (crest), tail (plume), and feet (socks) — looking like a dog wearing strategic accessories
Profile: Despite the name, the Chinese Crested likely originated in Africa or Mexico, with Chinese traders spreading them globally. The hairless gene is a semi-dominant mutation — breeding two hairless dogs produces a 2:1 ratio of hairless to coated ("powderpuff") puppies, but homozygous hairless embryos are non-viable, so the breed always carries the coated gene. Their exposed skin makes them prone to sunburn, acne, and dental issues (many hairless individuals are missing premolars). They're genuinely affectionate companion dogs that thrive on constant human contact.
Why It Made the List: Extreme physical trait (the most dramatic hairless pattern of any breed) and unusual genetic mechanism (lethal homozygous gene).
10. New Guinea Singing Dog
Size Class: Small-Medium (20-30 lb / 9-14 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Vocalization unlike any other dog — a complex, modulated howl that sounds like yodeling or whale song rather than barking
Profile: Technically a distinct species or subspecies (Canis hallstromi), the New Guinea Singing Dog is a feral canine from the highlands of Papua New Guinea. They rarely bark, instead producing their signature "song" — a rising and falling vocalization with harmonic overtones. They're extremely difficult to domesticate, retaining strong wild instincts including climbing ability (they can scale angled trees). Only about 200-300 exist in captivity worldwide. They're not recommended as pets for most people — they require specialist handlers and are best suited to experienced owners of primitive breeds.
Why It Made the List: Extreme behavioral distinctiveness (unique vocalization), questionable species classification, and critical rarity.
11. Lagotto Romagnolo
Size Class: Medium (24-35 lb / 11-16 kg)
Key Weird Trait: The only breed in the world specifically bred and certified for truffle hunting — with a nose calibrated to detect fungi buried 12+ inches underground
Profile: An Italian water dog from the Romagna region, the Lagotto transitioned from water retrieving to truffle hunting when the marshlands were drained in the 1800s. Their curly, woolly coat is hypoallergenic and waterproof. A trained Lagotto can detect truffles worth $1,000-$3,000 per pound, making them economically valuable working dogs. They're intelligent, biddable, and surprisingly good family dogs despite their specialized work. Puppies from working truffle lines can cost $5,000-$8,000 due to the economic return they provide.
Why It Made the List: Ultra-specific working origin (only truffle-hunting breed), unusual economic value proposition, and behavioral specialization.
12. Otterhound
Size Class: Giant (80-115 lb / 36-52 kg)
Key Weird Trait: Rough, shaggy coat with an oily waterproof underlayer, massive webbed feet, and a sense of smell that can track otter scent from 12 hours ago across running water
Profile: Developed in medieval England to control otter populations that were depleting fish stocks, the Otterhound is now rarer than the giant panda — fewer than 800 exist worldwide. When otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, the breed lost its purpose and nearly vanished. They're big, boisterous, messy dogs with a deep bass bark and a love of water that borders on obsession. Expect a wet, muddy dog if you live near any body of water. They're friendly but stubborn, and recall training is challenging due to their powerful scent drive.
Why It Made the List: Extreme rarity (rarer than pandas), obsolete origin story (otter hunting is banned), and unique physical adaptation (waterproof coat + webbed feet for aquatic tracking).
Breed Comparison Table: How These Weird Dogs Stack Up
| Breed | Size | Exercise (min/day) | Grooming | Family Friendly | Estimated Cost (Puppy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xoloitzcuintli | 3 sizes | 30-60 | Low (skin care) | Moderate | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Bedlington Terrier | Small | 45-60 | High (clipping) | High | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Bergamasco Shepherd | Large | 60-90 | Low (no brushing) | High | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Norwegian Lundehund | Small | 45-60 | Moderate | Moderate | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | Large | 60-90 | Low | Moderate | $600-$1,500 |
| Azawakh | Large | 60-90 | Low | Low | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Thai Ridgeback | Med-Large | 60-90 | Low | Low | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Mudi | Medium | 60-90 | Moderate | High | $2,000-$3,500 |
| Chinese Crested | Small | 20-40 | Moderate (skin) | High | $1,000-$3,000 |
| New Guinea Singing Dog | Small-Med | 60+ | Low | Very Low | Rare/specialist |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | Medium | 45-75 | High (clipping) | High | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Otterhound | Giant | 60-120 | High | High | $2,500-$4,000 |
How to Choose: Decision Framework for Weird Dog Breeds
Admiring a weird dog online and actually living with one are very different experiences. Here's a practical framework for narrowing your choice based on your real lifestyle constraints.
Step-by-Step Decision Flowchart
- What's your living situation?
- Apartment/small home → Chinese Crested, Bedlington Terrier, or Xoloitzcuintli (Toy/Mini)
- House with fenced yard → Bergamasco, Catahoula, Mudi, or Otterhound
- Rural property with acreage → Azawakh, Thai Ridgeback, or Catahoula
- How much time can you dedicate to grooming?
- Minimal (under 15 min/week) → Catahoula, Azawakh, Thai Ridgeback, or Bergamasco (counterintuitive, but flocks require zero brushing)
- Moderate (30 min/week) → Xoloitzcuintli (skin care), Mudi, Norwegian Lundehund
- High (professional grooming every 6-8 weeks) → Bedlington Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, Otterhound
- Do you have children or other pets?
- Yes, young children → Bedlington Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, or Chinese Crested (Powderpuff variety)
- Yes, older respectful children → Bergamasco, Mudi, or Otterhound
- No children, single person or couple → Azawakh, Xoloitzcuintli, or Thai Ridgeback
- Multiple pets including cats → Avoid Catahoula, Azawakh, and Thai Ridgeback (high prey drive)
- What's your experience level with dogs?
- First-time owner → Bedlington Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, or Chinese Crested
- Some experience → Bergamasco, Mudi, or Xoloitzcuintli
- Experienced with primitive/independent breeds → Azawakh, Thai Ridgeback, Catahoula, Norwegian Lundehund
- Professional/specialist → New Guinea Singing Dog
- What's your budget?
- Under $2,000 → Catahoula Leopard Dog (most affordable, widely available in the US South)
- $2,000-$4,000 → Bedlington, Mudi, Xoloitzcuintli, Azawakh, Thai Ridgeback, Otterhound
- $4,000+ → Bergamasco, Norwegian Lundehund, Lagotto Romagnolo (working lines)
Top 3 Recommendations by Lifestyle
Best for families with kids: The Lagotto Romagnolo wins for its combination of hypoallergenic coat, playful temperament, trainability, and sturdy medium size. The Bergamasco is a close second if you have space for a large dog — they're famously patient with children.
Best for apartment dwellers: The Chinese Crested (Powderpuff variety) is ideal — small, low exercise needs, affectionate, and genuinely quiet. The Toy Xoloitzcuintli is a strong alternative if you want something more independent.
Best for experienced owners wanting a challenge: The Azawakh offers the deepest bond with a dedicated owner but requires patience for socialization and a secure environment. The Norwegian Lundehund is equally rewarding but comes with significant health management needs (budget $200-$400/month for GI management diets and vet monitoring).
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Approach With Caution
Honorable Mentions (Just Missed the List)
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Another hairless breed, similar to the Xolo but with a more slender build and even greater rarity. Didn't make the top 12 because it overlaps heavily with the Xolo's "weird" traits.
Basenji: Famous for not barking (they yodel), but they've become common enough in the US that they no longer qualify as truly unusual to encounter.
Puli: The corded-coat Hungarian herder — visually striking, but the Bergamasco covers the "unusual coat" slot with its unique flat-flock system.
Breeds to Approach With Caution
New Guinea Singing Dog: While fascinating, these are essentially wild animals. They're not suited to typical pet ownership and require specialized facilities. Many end up surrendered when owners underestimate their wild instincts.
Thai Ridgeback: Their prey drive and escape artistry make them unsuitable for homes with small pets or inadequate fencing. They need 6-foot fences (minimum) with dig-proofing at the base.
Catahoula Leopard Dog: Beautiful and capable, but their herding instincts can manifest as nipping at children's heels and aggressive territoriality if not properly channeled. They need a job — without one, they become destructive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weird Dog Breeds
Are weird dog breeds healthy, or do unusual traits cause health problems?
It depends on the breed and the trait. Some unusual traits are perfectly healthy (the Bergamasco's flock coat, the Catahoula's glass eyes), while others carry inherent health risks. Hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and Chinese Crested have dental issues (missing teeth) linked to the hairless gene. The Norwegian Lundehund's extreme genetic bottleneck (all modern dogs descend from 6 ancestors) creates high rates of gastrointestinal disease. Always ask breeders for health testing documentation — the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintains breed-specific health databases.
Why are these weird breeds so rare?
Most rare breeds fell victim to historical shifts: the Otterhound lost its job when otter hunting was banned, the Norwegian Lundehund became obsolete when puffin hunting declined, and the Azawakh remains rare because it's still primarily kept by nomadic Tuareg people in West Africa. Some breeds simply never gained international popularity due to limited export or lack of AKC recognition. Rarity isn't always a red flag — many rare breeds are robust and healthy precisely because they haven't been overbred for popularity.
Can I find weird dog breeds at shelters or rescues?
It's uncommon but not impossible. Catahoula Leopard Dogs regularly appear in Southern US shelters (Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi). Chinese Cresteds occasionally turn up in rescue networks. For rarer breeds like the Azawakh or Norwegian Lundehund, you'll almost certainly need to work with a specialty breeder — and expect a waitlist of 6-18 months. Check breed-specific rescue organizations (most AKC-recognized breeds have one) before purchasing from a breeder.
Do unusual dog breeds cost more to insure?
Generally, yes. Rare breeds often face higher pet insurance premiums because limited genetic diversity can mean higher rates of breed-specific conditions. The Norwegian Lundehund, for example, may face premiums 30-50% higher than average due to GI disease predisposition. Companies like Trupanion and Healthy Paws typically factor breed into pricing. Budget $50-$120/month for comprehensive insurance on rare breeds, compared to $30-$70/month for common breeds.
What's the most important thing to know before getting an unusual breed?
Connect with existing owners before committing. Join breed-specific Facebook groups, attend national specialty shows, and ask to spend a day with someone who lives with the breed. The gap between reading about a Thai Ridgeback's independence and actually experiencing a Thai Ridgeback refusing to come inside at midnight is enormous. Consult your veterinarian about breed-specific health screening and preventive care before bringing any rare breed home.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
